School of Leadership
A Note from the School of Leadership Head of School
Dear families,
Our children surprise us sometimes.
Sometimes those surprises are delightful. Other times, they leave us wondering what on earth has gotten into them. In those moments, it can be difficult to respond calmly when our own instincts and emotions take over.
One approach that can help is to lead with curiosity.
Get curious, not furious.
That is often easier said than done, particularly during the middle years of schooling when young people are experiencing such significant growth and change. Some of these changes are exciting and visible; others are private, frustrating or difficult to understand, even for the students themselves.
When children know they can show up honestly, in all their different moods and moments, and still be met with care and guidance, we are far more likely to keep the lines of communication open through these important years.
In the School of Leadership, we know that learning does not happen separately from wellbeing, relationships and personal growth. There will be times when students need encouragement, challenge, patience or support before they are ready to fully engage in learning again.
Whatever surprises may come your way this year, please remember that you are not navigating them alone. We are part of your child’s support team, and we are committed to working alongside families to help our young people feel safe, supported and connected in order to become their best selves.
Mother’s Day
We wish all mothers in our St Luke’s school community a wonderful day on Sunday. We can get so used to our mothers’ constant presence and support that we can take it for granted. I pray that Mother’s Day is not only a one-off acknowledgement (hopefully with some special treats throughout the day), but an opportunity for all of us to share our gratitude beyond the day itself, recognising the many ways that our mothers and mother figures show up for us and support us.
Mr Scott Carroll - Head of School, School of Leadership
A Note from The SOL Assistant Principal
Why Attendance Matters?
Regular attendance at school is so important for your child, not only for their academic progress but also for their social and emotional development. Maintaining consistent attendance ensures that your child stays up to date with the learning in the classroom. Every day that your child misses school makes it harder for them to catch up, can create gaps in their learning, and may lead to lower achievement in reading, writing and numeracy. Every day counts.
Making positive changes to your child's nightly and morning routines can support your child in attending regularly. Planning and packing lunches and school bags the night before, establishing healthy sleep routines, and putting devices away at least thirty minutes before bedtime can support your child for a positive day of learning. A consistent morning routine, regular reminder alarms, and a calm environment in the morning can make a significant difference to how your child enters the learning environment. Being firm about school attendance, avoiding holidays during term time, and scheduling appointments outside of school hours will help your child develop habits that set them up for success in both school and life.
We know that at times this can be challenging, and we are here to support you. If a classroom teacher or coordinator has reached out recently with attendance letters expressing concern, please know that these come from a place of genuine care and a shared commitment to your child’s wellbeing and success. We value working in partnership with families, and we encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher or stage coordinator if you would like support in improving attendance. Together, we can ensure your child is present, engaged, and able to make the most of every learning opportunity. If you are experiencing challenges with your child’s attendance, please reach out to their class teacher or Wellbeing Coordinator in the first instance.
Winter Uniform - Terms 2 and 3
A reminder that students in SOL return to school in Winter Uniform (navy tights for girls wearing the dress option, a necktie, and pants for boys and girls who choose this combination). The shorts that our boys have enjoyed wearing are not permitted in Terms 2 and 3. Students must also wear the formal jacket over the wool jumper (not the sports jacket) on formal uniform school days.
Should you need to make purchases ahead of Term 2, please visit
www.stlukes.uniforms4u.com.au using the password: sl2765
Mrs Josephine Camilleri - Assistant Principal, School of Leadership
Stage 3 Instructional Leader
Welcome back to Term 2. I hope you have all enjoyed a restful and enjoyable holiday break.
We are in another busy and engaging term, with a number of key events scheduled including the athletics carnival, cross country, and a range of excursions. With such a full calendar, students will be balancing both their academic learning and participation in these important school experiences.
Across Stage 3, it has been pleasing to see the continued development of positive relationships and friendships. Students are demonstrating support for one another and contributing to a respectful and inclusive learning environment.
In terms of learning, students will be engaged in a broad and purposeful curriculum this term. In English, there will be a strong focus on writing, including imaginative, persuasive, and informative texts, alongside developing spelling, grammar, and comprehension skills. In Mathematics, students will explore key concepts such as whole numbers, multiplication, measurement, angles, and data.
In HSIE, students will investigate historical and geographical concepts, including significant events, perspectives, and how people and environments are connected. Science and Technology will see students engaging in units related to space, survival, and electricity, encouraging curiosity, inquiry, and problem-solving.
In PDHPE, there will be a focus on health, wellbeing, and personal development, including building positive relationships and making safe, informed choices.
Creative Arts (CAPA) will provide opportunities for students to express themselves through visual arts and music, fostering creativity and confidence.
We encourage parents and carers to regularly check in with their children regarding their Consolidation work to ensure tasks are being completed consistently. Parents can also monitor classroom learning through Canvas, where tasks are posted and, at times, student work samples are shared.
From Week 5, Mrs Lauren O’Halloran will be undertaking the role of Instructional Leader for the remainder of the year. Mrs O’Halloran is well known within our school community and brings a wealth of knowledge to the position. We look forward to her ongoing contribution in supporting student learning and staff development.
Thank you for your continued support.
Ms Shaz McAllister
Instructional Leader
Stage 3 Stories…
On Tuesday the 5th of May eight students and two teachers from Stage 3 went on an excursion called Lifted Jnr to Nagle Catholic College in Blacktown so we could explore the deeper meaning of our Purpose, Pentecost and who we are.
Lifted Jnr is an annual faith event organised by Catholic Youth Parramatta (CYP). It combines worship music, dancing and prayer to explore themes of the Holy Spirit and Pentecost. This year It involved over 40 schools across the Parramatta Diocese.
Whilst there, we sang songs and danced to music related to Christianity and that would strengthen our connection with God. There was also time during the day for self-reflection.
We also watched videos which talked about what purpose truly means. There was a guest speaker Lou Daniels who told us about her experience with God and why she truly believed God was present and living. She then went on to explain what purpose meant to her and that everyone has a different purpose in life. We then explored the gifts of the Holy Spirit through a small drama play, this allowed us to link the gifts of the Holy Spirit to what we are currently learning in Religion in Year 6.
After lunch, we were asked to brainstorm ideas as to how we can share the message of what we learnt to other students in Stage 3. Some of the ideas included mindfully praying in our class for the less fortunate, sick, or others that have lost their connection with God. Other ideas included playing Gospel music at break times in the marketplace, saying “Good Morning” to our friends and teachers and including others during break times. This will then convey the message of human dignity, specifically that everyone has the same worth.
Here are a few words from students about their learning experiences throughout this term:
On Anzac Day we read a book called Alfred’s War as part of our shared reading. This book highlighted the stories of Indigenous soldiers who fought for Australia but were often forgotten. Alfred survived the harsh conditions of war and was wounded by gunfire. However, when he returned home, no one recognised him. He became a forgotten soldier. Despite everything he went through, including losing a limb, he continued to honour and remember his fellow soldiers.
This story inspired me to make my Voice of Youth speech about how forgotten soldiers should get more recognition as they also fought and served for our country.
Elijah Vella- Year 6 Freeman student
In English groups this term, we have been learning to write persuasive speeches for Voice of Youth. Voice of Youth is a speaking competition where we compete with other schools.
To have a strong speech, we have been looking at different methods to help us such as the PEEL structure. For shared reading we have been analysing popular speeches from social activists in the past
Hiya Patel- Year 6 Freeman student
In science, we are currently looking at electricity and circuits. We are specifically looking at how electrons move inside circuits. We mainly observe basic circuits with one battery, wire, switch and light bulb. We have been doing many practical lessons. We often go to the lab for our practicals with Mrs Ball. These are always exciting and intriguing.
Kiaan Pinto- Year 6 Freeman Student
Stage 4 Stories…
Focus on Year 7
As we begin Term 2, I would like to warmly welcome all of our Year 7 students and families back to school. It has been wonderful to see students returning with energy, curiosity, and a growing sense of confidence as they continue to settle into high school life.
At this point in the year, our Year 7 students are truly beginning to come out of their shells, growing in confidence and finding their place within our school community. This is exactly what our School of Leadership is all about - empowering students to have a voice; to be heard, to take part, and to thrive. It has been incredibly rewarding to see so many students embracing a wide range of opportunities and becoming an integral part of the fabric of our school.
Term 2 is always a significant time in our school calendar. It brings a renewed sense of focus, consistent routines, and continued growth, both academically and personally. In Year 7, we remain committed to supporting students as they build strong foundations in resilience, positive relationships, organisation, and self-awareness.
Excitingly, we have a number of excursions coming up to further enrich student learning and provide valuable real world experiences. I am particularly looking forward to joining our Year 7 students on their upcoming Geography excursion and spending the day watching them learn, explore, and excel beyond the classroom.
Term 2 also provides valuable opportunities for families to engage with our school in person. Later this term, we will be hosting our School of Leadership Parent Learning Walk and Parent, Teacher, Student Interviews. These are wonderful opportunities for families to connect with teachers, gain insight into their child’s progress, and work together to support continued growth and success.
Lastly, With Mother’s Day approaching, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate all mothers and mother figures in our community. As a mother myself, it is always special to see the care, guidance, and encouragement our students receive at home reflected in who they are becoming. These relationships play such a vital role in shaping our young people.
To all the mothers, grandmothers, carers, and mother figures in our community, thank you for all that you are and all that you do to support your children.
Mrs Ashley Pepper - Year 7 Wellbeing Coordinator
Focus on Year 8
Ms Grace Villarosa - Year 8 Wellbeing Coordinator
Welcome back to Term 2 of 2026!
Term 2 is often welcomed with great enthusiasm, as students return with established routines, clearer expectations, and growing confidence within the school community. After a strong start to the year in Term 1, Year 8 has returned with vibrance, energy, and excitement, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that this term will bring.
We have a busy and exciting term ahead; however, having successfully navigated the first term together, students are moving into this next stage of the year with greater ease, confidence, and experience. There will also be opportunities to refine these organisational skills as we move into the senior space. Students will be given more information as to how they can attend workshops to refine these skills and seek support. The growth already shown across Term 1 has been wonderful to witness, and we are looking forward to seeing students continue to develop both academically and personally throughout the term ahead.
As the leaders of the School of Leadership, Year 8 students continue to play an important role in shaping the culture and spirit of our community. Throughout the term, there will be many opportunities for students to step up, lead by example, and positively contribute to both school life and the experiences of their peers.
With Mother’s Day approaching this weekend, we would also like to extend our gratitude and congratulations to all those in mothering roles and to the parents, carers, and families who continue to support, nurture, and guide our students at St Luke’s. Your ongoing care, encouragement, and partnership play an invaluable role in the growth and wellbeing of our young people, and we thank you for all that you do.
As always, parents and carers are encouraged to reach out directly should they have any questions, concerns, or require support throughout the term. Open and positive communication between home and school continues to play an important role in supporting the success and wellbeing of our students. Feel free to email me directly or use the school diary to send any notes as well.
We are looking forward to another positive and productive term filled with learning, growth, wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for students to continue strengthening their connections with one another and the wider school community.
Learning Showcase
Focus on Sport
We congratulate Cruz on his outstanding performances at the national athletics competition in Brisbane, competing against the best athletes in Australia in the Under 15 Boys division, despite being only 13 years old.
Cruz achieved an impressive silver medal in the 400m Under 15 Boys event, setting a new personal best in the process. He was also part of the gold medal-winning 4x200m relay team in the Under 16 Boys division, competing up an age group.
In addition, Cruz placed 7th in the 200m Under 15 Boys event, again recording a new personal best performance.
Although Cruz had also achieved a National Qualification time in the 100m, he made the decision to focus on the 400m and 200m events and was thrilled to earn selection in the relay team.
These results are a testament to Cruz’s dedication, hard work and commitment to his sport. We congratulate him on these remarkable achievements and look forward to following his continued success.
